Broadcast Networks Delivers Record Business in 2010 and Looks Forward to Continued Growth

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Systems Integration specialist Broadcast Networks kicks off 2011 on a buoyant note, following a record year for OB business and with a variety of international projects underway, including the expansion of Chellomedia’s multi-lingual, multi-platform play-out centre.

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Renowned for providing quality solutions, 2010 saw Broadcast Networks complete the design and build of an impressive seventeen Outside Broadcast vehicles and Digital Satellite News Gathering trucks. Amongst the vehicles delivered were six HD and SD DSNG trucks for ERTU, Egypt’s state broadcaster and a 4-camera HD 4x4 off-road vehicle for BTRC, Belarus, which was completed in a remarkable 24-day period. Furthermore, the UK-based company, working in partnership with Sony Professional Services, completed a large Disaster Recovery project including the design and build of a 10-camera HD OB vehicle with play-out facilities, a continuity/virtual studio and HD uplink; a 6-camera HD DSNG truck; two mobile earth-station trailers and a transmission vehicle with 50m mast.

As HD services roll out, Broadcast Networks has faced increased demand to refurbish ageing OB fleets; upgrading systems ready to meet any production challenge and overhauling exterior and internal finishes to increase vehicle life. “Central to our success has been our ability to respond to customers’ business and technical requirements and deliver against increasingly challenging deadlines,” said Tom Haye, Managing Director of Broadcast Networks. “As more customers look to refurbish OB fleets and upgrade them to HD, we understand that time off the road has to be kept to a minimum and work must be completed quickly to meet busy production schedules. At our new facilities in Alton, we are able to pre-fabricate systems in-house, giving us even greater control to ensure that tight deadlines do not compromise our high standards.”

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Last year, Broadcast Networks completed the refurbishment of three vehicles for OB-Team, the Outside Broadcast arm of Norway’s TV2. The work, which was carried out to bring the vehicles in line with current technical specifications, had to be completed very quickly as they were all needed to cover a variety of sporting events.

OB Team’s technical director Espen Frøysa says: “We returned to Broadcast Networks for this project because time was of the essence and we needed a systems integrator that we knew we could rely on. Due to the intensity of our production schedule it was imperative that the three vehicles were back on the road fast as we simply couldn’t afford for them to be out of action for more than a couple of weeks each.”

Other projects completed in 2010 include the design and build of news facilities for Bloomberg, comprising two remote news studios in Germany, fully controlled from the London office. The project also included HD storage server upgrades for media used across operations worldwide. Broadcast Networks’ experience in this field allowed for the seamless transfer of services from ageing equipment to new purpose-built systems – without disrupting Bloomberg’s 24/7 operation.

The ability to integrate complex systems into live operations, with minimal disruption, is further exemplified by Broadcast Networks’ expansion of Chellomedia’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and upgrade of core infrastructure to HD. Previously, they have played a key role in the rollout of this major multi-lingual and multi-platform facility, including the expansion from 16 to 80 channels transmitting in SD and HD worldwide, and a High Definition Sports studio.

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“2011 will see Broadcast Networks build on the success of our international OB business, with more projects to refurbish vehicles and upgrade systems to HD and even 3D,” Haye continues. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with leading broadcasters, such as Chellomedia and Bloomberg, where Broadcast Networks remains integral to their development and expansion plans. This is testimony to their trust in our expertise and support and we are very proud of the confidence customers continue to place in our team.”

About Broadcast Networks Ltd

Broadcast Networks is a UK-based Systems Integrator with clients the world over. From High Definition studio systems to Outside Broadcast vehicles, on location communications to satellite uplinks, Broadcast Networks offer a totally integrated and bespoke solution. The team’s technical and operational experience means it can meet the demands of both broadcast and IT-centric projects. The company’s very flexible approach and a high level of commitment and service ensure it meets all customers’ needs.